Infant had “classic” symptoms of abusive head trauma, trial hears

A ten-month-old girl presented with injuries consistent with abusive head trauma when admitted to Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin in April 2012, a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Sandra Higgins, aged 36, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the child at her home on 28 March 2012. Higgins was working as a childminder at the time. Paediatric consultant Prof Alf Nicholson described the infant's condition upon admission, which included bilateral retinal bleeding, brain bleeding, rib fractures, and facial bruising. He stated these findings were classic indicators of abusive head trauma. Prof Michael O'Keefe, a consultant surgeon at Temple Street, confirmed the presence of haemorrhages behind both eyes and retinal detachment. The child's condition improved significantly, with bleeding resolving by June 2012. The trial, before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury, continues.